The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1887-06-30

will ever care to have them do so.
He is tall, angular and ugly, but he is
brave, gallant and shows, in his face and
in his bomely but hearty manner, that he
has big heart inside of his vest buttons,
and that he loves the men who fought
long side of him for four years, there can
be no doubt. When Gov. Lubbock intro
duced Major Martin, there was degree
of applause that would have been classed
as Texas yell, only the presence of the
ladies softened the tones somewhat. Major
Martin made no set speech, but he noted
at Gaines Mill when McClellaa's
line before Richmond was broken.
He eulogized the memory of Hood, who
was the idol of his command, and he said
that the welcome to the survivors of the
old brigade, this day given, was tribute
to the memory of their old commander,
and as such it was received and would be
cherished. He dwelt upon incidents in
the history of the old brigade. One, es-
pecially-when, at O'Clock on the
evening of the 9th of June, 1862,
Hood rode through the lines cheering his
men and telling them that swell whip 'em
yet" this in the heat of the battle.) The
men of this brigade were loved, he said,
by Hood, Lee and Jackson, and all unite
in saying that on that day Texas broke
the line of the enemy and saved
the capitol of the Confederacy.
Texans went there representing the hero
ism of Goliad and the Alamo aud to
represent Texas, and the glory that was
won is freely given to Texas. The speak
or then dwelt upon the battle of Gettys
burg, where, in the council of
generals, held before the fight, Hood
dissented from the others of Lees
commanders, and even asked permission
of Lee to change the programme; how he
obeyed the order of battle, and in the heat
of the fight, when his arm was shot away,
he cried: 81 have lost my arm and will
lose my brigade, which will hurt me most"
AS these words rang out Major Martin
opened bundle before him and
drew out faded military
coat, one sleeve torn away, buttons off,
and braids worn and furnished. This was
the coat that was worn by Hood at Gettys-
burg when the shot struck hun that cut
away his arm, and caused the heroic re-
mark that has been given. The scene was
a dramatic one. The old Confederate
uniform, with its front splotched
with blood. stains and its missing
sleeve giving mute evidence of the
sacrifice that had been offered, caused the
veterans to crowd around the platform
Tears fell from the eyes of gray haired
men, and they sacredly touched the gar
ment, some even kissing it and clasping
it to their breasts. 1t was a touching
sight, bringing up, as it did,memories of a
day that is sacred to them all.
Major Martin closed with an eloquent
eulogy upon brave soldiers everywhere,
and after displaying relic of second
Manassas IN the shape of a Zouave cup
picked up on the federal side of the field
gave way for an announcement of
"DINNER!"
The order to march to the table was then
given, and the crowd was brigaded as
follows: Ladies with the old soldiers; the
old soldiers next; then lady visitors and
lastly the general crowd. Three long
tables were spread and there were $500
plates upon them. These wero twice
filled or nearly 30 and everybody, even to
the smallest urchin on the ground, was
given all that was demanded, and
still there was left over the ira
ditional twelve baskets, full of fine bar
becued meat. If there was person or
the ground who failed of getting all tC
eat of that provided, it was not the
fault of the managers. The food wal
there-there in abundance, we'll cooked
and we'll provided. The order maintained
, was excellent, thanks to the officers who
attended to the matter.
AFTER DINNER.
Returning to the grand stand the bant
, discoursed number of airs for awhile
and Governor Ross was then introduced
He spoke Just in the manner to pleas,
the old soldiers, interlarding his remarks
2 with anecdotes and pleasant stories. The
governor said:
, Ladies', Comrades and Friends-It would hav
suited me much better to have played the part of
listener, rather than speaker, upon this occasion
But cannot refuse to express the qualification
that it is my good fortune to be present at thi
grand annual reunion of these old veterans o
Hoods brigdde, and join this vast multitude, com
ing from every section of our state, giving them
selves up to the spirit of the occasion with suc
q hearty pleasure and energy, which, together will
the ample preparations made of everything which
large hearted hospitality and unetinted generos
ity could suggest to accord TO you joyous Tecep
] ton, cOnspre to fill our hearts with the mos
/ pleasurabe emotions, and furni=h presage ant
pledge of rich social enjoyments. Ii wa
9 not my fortune to be a member of your grand oil
4 brigade, but in the delightful fellowship
, of these old Confederates, bound together by tn
mystic ties which trials engender passing through
the same ordeal, inspired by the same hopes, AM
animated by the same sentiments, felt sure o
meeting look and grasping hand which would
respond in sympathy with my own. ] rejoice L
meet the remnant of this old brigade under eucl
different circumstances, and surrounded by sucl
favorable auspices, illustrating so forcibly the con
trasts between the horrors of war and the sweets
peace. When old comrades in arms have come NJ
; from their peaceful homes with buoyant feeln
and puse-stirring antiCpations to recite u
each other the vivid and heart-thrillin
incidents of the struggle, while thes
people animated by the auspices of your fame
have gathered here TO greet your presence and jo
in it by extending you fit and noble, welcome
and thus retute an unjust imputation that repub
, lies are always ungrateful TO their benefactore
: It would be strange, indeed, if this gathering o
: the old Confederate clans did not send on
) thoughts trooping back along the vanished years
recalling long series of brilliant exploits, wilt
, adventures by day and by night, ana generOu
nnwavering ardOr that never found any peril to
hazardous nor any suffering too uncomfortable Il
the toll and watch of that wonderful and memoTa
BILE conflict in which giants we're struggling TO
: the mastery.
But few Of you are here TO day. The great ma
iority of your old comrades fill unknown graves
D with naught to mark their silent resting places
! but their names are embalmed in as many loyin
{ hearts ever entwined around living or LINGERIE
around the graves OF deceased patriots. And to
day, as our memory recalls face after face of th
! vast spectral army who have preceded us in tbs
line of march 10 the silent Shores we shed the tea
of affeCuonate remembrance az we echo praises L
their memory aud honor ~ Their dust.
Throughout the broad area OF the world Their